1914 Benz 18/45 Four Passenger Runabout
Featuring German technical excellence, the 1914 Benz 18/45 Four Passenger Runabout stands as a remarkable example from the pre-war luxury automobile market. With a powerful 4,710cc L-head four-cylinder engine generating 45 horsepower at 1,650rpm, this vehicle delivered notable performance for its era. The 18/45 model occupied the upper portion of Benz’s extensive lineup, being one of their more powerful and exclusive offerings with cylinders cast in pairs. Built on an impressive 133-inch wheelbase, this runabout stretched nearly as long as modern full-size SUVs. The chain-drive system, four-speed manual transmission, and four-wheel semi-elliptic leaf springs with live rear axle represented advanced engineering for 1914. Benz’s reputation for quality allowed them to command high prices in America, where they competed with Rolls-Royce at the top end of the market.
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